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The HVAC system isn't easy to understand or work with. Read on to learn all there is to know about them. Keep reading for some great tips on the subject.

If your HVAC system is acting up, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. Figure out which rooms feel hot and which feel cold. That knowledge can help the technician figure out what is going on.

Know what you need before you hire a contractor. A contractor will not be able to give you an accurate price without accurate information about your system. If you are unable to explain the work that needs to be taken care of, the conversation will be even less fruitful. So, figure out this information before anything else.

Some fan condensers may contain oil parts, and if yours does, ensure it is lubricated at least once per year. You can easily find the ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Choose an oil graded SAE 20, it is non-detergent and lightweight. Place about 10 drops into each of the ports, taking care that it does not overfill.

Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times per each year. The ideal thing to do would be to have it checked out in the fall and spring so you're able to figure out if everything is ready for the cold and hot months. You should have it looked at even if no problems are occurring; there could still be a problem or potential problem.

Turn off your outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. Once the temperature drops into the 50s, the unit should no longer be on. This simple tip will help keep the system running efficiently for many years to come.

Replace single pane windows by installing double pane, if possible. Windows that are double pane keep the cool air in and can greatly reduce the amount of time your air conditioner will need to run. Conversely, they keep warm air in during the winter.

If nobody is home, turn off the air conditioner to save money. The house will only heat up to a certain point. The unit will use a large amount of electricity to combat the heat during the day when the house is empty.

Don't ever let your home temperature get dangerously high. It is only possible for an air conditioner to lower the temperature in a home by 20 degrees F in a short time. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll only cool down to still above 80. You may suffer adverse effects from letting the house get that hot, too.

Icing up is common in air conditioners. The drain line can freeze, making you think it's a plumbing leak. If you notice this, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. If this doesn't work, call a professional.

Find an air conditioner calculator online to determine what models are best for you. If you buy something too large it won't be efficient as it cools the same. Check your manual to figure out what the rating is from the manufacturer to be sure you're getting the right information.

Consider how long a given HVAC company has been in existence before giving them your business. Fly-by-night companies are those you want to avoid. Hiring a new contractor comes with an element of risk.

Use recommendations when you are looking for a contractor. People that have gotten great work done in the past generally love to share the information they know about it. This will also help you avoid scammers.

If you need recommendations for an HVAC contractor, check online. Many online review sites provide an avenue for this information. This can help filter out the people you would like to work with.

Try to get as many quotes from contractors that you can. You should be able to hire the best contractor for the job if you take the time to do this. Contact a minimum of five contractors so you can determine realistically what the price will be.

Do you need a new HVAC unit? There are many things to consider. Learn about the size systems need to be for optimal efficiency. You are better off purchasing a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a bit too small.

Check out your ductwork for leaks if your whole home isn't being cooled or heated. The local utility may be able to test for you, and their services are frequently free or low cost. When the leaks are repaired, you'll find that the testing paid for itself.

The information here is not hard to understand if you're truly interested. With this advice, and you will be ahead of the game. Use it properly, and you could even earn money from it.